Robin Ventura on Derek Jeter: ‘He’s not dying, he’s just retiring’
Derek Jeter’s retirement tour is giving some people the wrong impression. Despite trying to honor the legendary player, Jeter himself has stated that the entire thing has been somewhat morbid.
More from MLB
- Braves get dose of bad news on Max Fried as ace nears return
- Shohei Ohtani trade rumors live tracker: Every update so far
- MLB Rumors: Yankees mistake, Cardinals trade package, Cubs choice
- Inside the Clubhouse: What I’m hearing ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline
- After frantic trade day, Kiké Hernandez grateful for second chance with Dodgers
Chicago White Sox manager Robin Ventura stated: “He’s not dying, he’s just retiring. It’s weird. I’m sure it’s uncomfortable for him going through all of it, but he’s a great player.”
Ventura added that Jeter more than deserves the praise, despite the awkward feeling, for being such an amazing player.
During Jeter’s final game in Chicago, the New York Yankees veteran drove in two home runs in addition to hitting a triple in a 7-1 win over the White Sox.
Prior to the game, Jeter received a standing ovation from a sellout crowd at U.S. Cellular Field. White Sox players gathered near the dugout during the ovation to applaud the great player.
Jeter agrees with Ventura’s statement.
“It’s kind of an awkward feeling because everyone’s wishing you well, and I’m not going to fall off the face of the Earth,” Jeter said. “I’d like to think I’ll be around for a while after this, but everything people have said and done, it’s very much appreciated.”
White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham told the media that Jeter has meant a lot to the game over the past 20 years. Catcher Tyler Flowers enjoyed the festivities and mentioned he believes all veteran players such as Jeter should be celebrated in such a way.
“He’s a completely down to earth guy, he comes up to the plate, asks me how I’m doing, all that. He doesn’t know me from Joe, but he still respects the game, respects everyone in it, plays the right way. It just seems to be first class all the way, it’s not a show. He really is a good guy,” said Flowers.